Rhone Road Trip 7-Day Itinerary
Marseille to Lyon
Ready to craft the perfect adventure around the Rhone Valley, but unsure about where to kick things off, which places to hit, the budget, or how many days to plan for? This itinerary is perfect for you because it's packed with all the essentials to create a spectacular seven-day journey. You'll be able to see the nightlife, delicious food, museums, and small town charm along the way.
The reasons to visit the Rhone Valley are plentiful. You'll find local wineries, colorful towns, historical sights, and beautiful countryside. Below we'll start with some of the highlights of the area before working through the specifics of the route, budget, things to do, where to stay, and more.
This itinerary will take you through the following destinations:
- Marseille (2 days)
- Arles (1 day)
- Avignon (2 days)
- Lyon (2 days)
Lyon, France, as viewed from the Saone River
Itinerary Highlights
- Great for couples
- Family-friendly
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Small Town Charm
- Delicious Food
- Historic Sites
- Hiking
- Beautiful Locations
Don't miss out on exploring the lovely and quaint small towns scattered throughout the region. You'll have a wonderful opportunity to engage with the local culture while tasting delicious food and soaking in the history. You'll find plenty of small town charm in Avignon.
Delicious food is one of the main reasons why many people travel, and a trip to the Rhone Valley is no exception. You'll find so many amazing restaurants and local dishes worth tasting on this trip, so throw that diet plan away when you come. In particular, make sure you visit the restaurants in Marseille, Arles, and Avignon.
You'll also be able to uncover the rich and vibrant history of the Rhone Valley. Don't miss the chance to explore the historic architecture, museums, and deep historical culture that permeates the area.
The hiking scene in the Rhone Valley is a real gem, so don't let it slip by. Be sure to allocate some time to venture onto the local trails—epic views, invigorating fresh air, and a good workout await you.
The stunning scenery of the Rhone Valley is one of the main reasons visitors come to this region. Bring your camera, as it's even better in person. You don't want to miss Marseille, Lyon, and Arles for the beautiful scenery.
Pont d'Avignon, France
When is the best time to visit?
When summer rolls around, the Rhone Valley becomes a hotspot, buzzing with activity. Anticipate a lively atmosphere with plenty of visitors; however, the silver lining is that during this time, everything is accessible and ready for exploration.
Who is this itinerary for?
Traveling as a couple? Let's dig into the romance in the Rhone Valley. It's renowned for being an ideal destination for couples, offering an enchanting atmosphere. If you're journeying with your significant other, get ready for a treat. For romantic charm, Avignon, Arles, and Marseille especially should not be missed.
the Rhone Valley makes for a terrific family-friendly trip. You'll find a good number of kid-friendly activities on this journey. In the sections below, we'll cover this in more detail so that the entire family has an amazing trip. For example, families love all of the activities in Lyon.
Plenty of budget-friendly and backpacker-friendly travel options are available in the area, too. From affordable hostels and budget-friendly hotels, to free activities, affordable food options, and a great social vibe, you can have a great trip if you're on a shoestring budget. For example, the range of hostels and low-cost activities in Lyon tend to favor budget travelers.
Arles, France
Transportation
Getting around between these destinations in the Rhone Valley isn't too difficult. Most of these places are around 2 hours apart.
We selected Marseille as the starting point because it offers plenty of transporation options. At the end, this itinerary loops back around to the start to make it convenient, but you could also arrive or leave from any destination along the way. To get to Marseille, you can see flight prices and schedules here.
A fun way to explore the area is in a car. If you don't have your own, no worries, just grab a rental car. Having your own wheels is key for ultimate freedom and flexibility in the Rhone Valley. You call the shots on your schedule and can make impromptu stops whenever the mood hits.
The train network in the Rhone Valley offers a hassle-free and economical way to explore the region. Major cities are well-connected with swift train services, though reaching smaller towns might involve additional time and potential transfers to local buses. Opting for main routes ensures a straightforward journey, allowing travelers to relax and take in the beautiful views from their seats. It's advisable to plan ahead by checking ticket prices and schedules for a smooth travel experience.
Is seven days enough time in the Rhone Valley?
Yes, seven days is generally enough time to see the major destinations of the Rhone Valley. We have planned out this itinerary in such a way so that you can take in these destinations in seven days while having a relaxing and enjoyable trip. You could always spend more time in the area if you want to visit more of the local sights, or spend even more time in each destination. Plenty of day trip options are available, after all. On the other hand, if you have less time, you can modify this suggested itinerary to make it shorter. Cutting out a few places would save you time, although we don't recommended it as you really need around seven days to see everything.
How much does a seven-day trip to the Rhone Valley cost?
Let's break down the estimated budget for this specific seven-day adventure in the Rhone Valley, assuming you stick to the plan outlined below. Drawing on actual spending data from travelers and cost data from major travel companies, the daily average costs below are per person. They exclude transportation, as that can vary depending on your choices. Consider this breakdown as a financial roadmap, with mid-level hotels, regular dining, and key attractions aligning with these estimates. Anyone seeking cheaper options can opt for hostels, budget hotels, and more affordable food options. On the flip side, embracing luxury hotels, upscale dining, and private tours will make you go well beyond this budget.
| City | Daily Average | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marseille | $158 | 2 | $317 |
| Arles | $153 | 1 | $153 |
| Avignon | $763 | 2 | $1,525 |
| Lyon | $136 | 2 | $272 |
| Total per Person | $2,267 | ||
| for 2 People | $4,534 | ||
The estimated cost for this seven-day adventure in the Rhone Valley is approximately $2,267 per person, according to our calculations. It's worth noting that this does not cover transportation between destinations. That part is entirely dependent on your chosen mode of travel.
Accommodation Costs
Trying to figure out how much you'll pay for hotels on this trip? Below is the expected cost for accommodations for this trip through the Rhone Valley based on calculated averages.
Hotel Prices
The average price for a hotel room in each destination is outlined below. Sourced from Kayak's hotel data, it's crucial to recognize that these figures exclude taxes and fees. Think of these averages as representative of mid-range hotel experiences, yet, keep in mind, that it's possible to spend more or less, particularly if you opt for budget-friendly lodgings or indulge in high-end luxury hotels. These prices will usually be higher during peak travel season, too.
| City | Average Hotel Room Price | Days | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marseille | $95 | 2 | $190 |
| Arles | $112 | 1 | $112 |
| Avignon | $114 | 2 | $228 |
| Lyon | $92 | 2 | $184 |
| Total Expected Hotel Cost | $714 | ||
Hostel Prices
Looking to be budget-savvy on your journey? Hostels are an excellent choice, especially for the younger crowd or solo adventurers. The prices provided below outline the average costs for a dorm bed in a hostel in each destination. Yes, you might sacrifice a bit of privacy in a hostel dorm, but the lively atmosphere often turns these shared spaces into social hubs, offering fantastic opportunities to forge new connections. Keep in mind that many hostels also provide private rooms, albeit at a higher cost than dorms, coupled with additional amenities such as kitchens, social activities, and strategic locations. These average prices are calculated from available hostel data thoughtfully provided by HostelWorld.
| City | Average Hostel Dorm Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Marseille | $29 |
| Arles | $31 |
| Lyon | $28 |
The Rhone Valley Itinerary
1. Marseille
2 Days
Marseille is a well known port city in southern France along the French Riviera. It has a fascinating old town and a long running history. There are many historic attractions and a lot to explore as a touristy.
Marseille offers beaches, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
Eat your way through Marseille, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
This is one of the most popular destinations in the world for nightlife. It's considered by many to be a fun party-oriented city, and is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once to experience.
Marseille has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Marseille
How to Spend 2 Days in Marseille
Day 1:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.
The delicious food of Marseille is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.
Marseille is a very walkable city. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.
Day 2:
Marseille offers a charming atmosphere that's hard to find anywhere else. Spend part of the day exploring the scenery. The Old Port area is one of the most scenic parts of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and it remains quite busy today.
This city is very popular for nightlife. After the sun goes down, head out to one of the many popular venues around town. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.
Public transit in Marseille is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the city quite easily. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Marseille. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Calanques National Park Tours from Marseille, The Best Cassis Tours in Marseille, The Best Affordable Wine Tours Around Marseille, and The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Marseille.
Marseille Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Marseille average around $158 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Marseille here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $13 | $30 | $60 |
| Food2 | $19 | $45 | $105 |
| Entertainment1 | $17 | $41 | $81 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $29 | $65 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Marseille, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $95, calculated from the data of 161 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Marseille here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Marseille offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $29. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Marseille.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Marseille to Arles.
2. Arles
1 Day
Arles is located on the Rhône River in Provence. It is famous as an inspiration for paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and it is filled with Roman ruins and fascinating history. Today the town regularly hosts plays and concerts that visitors can enjoy.
Arles offers museums, nightlife, and beautiful locations.
Travelers visit Arles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
Arles has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Arles
How to Spend 1 Day in Arles
Arles is home to renowned museums and iconic landmarks, so dive into the town's famous attractions. The city's historical sites rank among the most awe-inspiring globally. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.
You'll absolutely want to spend some time enjoying the food scene in this town, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine for a meal or two. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).
Arles is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Arles. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Walking and History Tours in Arles, The Arles Amphitheatre, The Cryptoportiques, and The Saint-Trophime Cloister.
Arles Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Arles average around $153 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Arles here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $11 | $25 | $47 |
| Food2 | $25 | $56 | $101 |
| Entertainment1 | $15 | $33 | $62 |
| Alcohol2 | $12 | $26 | $50 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Arles, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $112, calculated from the data of 74 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Arles here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Arles offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $31. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Arles.
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Arles to Avignon.
3. Avignon
2 Days
Avignon is a town in the region of Provence that dates back to the 1300s. It sits along the Rhône River and is filled with history and beautiful landmarks.
Avignon offers small town charm, museums, and delicious food. It's also a great place for backpackers due to all of the activities.
Travelers visit Avignon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
Eat your way through Avignon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
Avignon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Avignon
How to Spend 2 Days in Avignon
Day 1:
Avignon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.
The delicious food of Avignon is one of the main highlights of a trip to the region. Dining out is one of the highlights of a trip. Make sure you take the time to taste as much of it as possible during breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this town's best restaurants. And consider a food tour or cooking class. You can easily fit one into your schedule since many are just a few hours or half a day. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.
Avignon is a very walkable city. With only a day in the town, you'll have no trouble exploring the local sights. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.
Day 2:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.
Public transit in Avignon is easy and efficient. In just a few days, you should be able to get around the town quite easily. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Avignon. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Luberon Villages Tours from Avignon, The Best Wine Tours in Avignon, The Best Ancient Roman Tours Around Avignon, and The Best Chateauneuf du Pape Tours from Avignon.
Avignon Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Avignon average around $763 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Avignon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $9 | $23 | $58 |
| Food2 | $16 | $36 | $74 |
| Entertainment1 | $7 | $17 | $37 |
| Alcohol2 | $7 | $18 | $40 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Avignon, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $114, calculated from the data of 90 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Avignon here.
Suggested Hotels
Transportation
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Avignon to Lyon.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Avignon to Lyon, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
4. Lyon
2 Days
Lyon is a beautiful city with a long history. It has one of Europe's best old towns, which climbs the hills above the River Saône and is filled with character. There are many traditional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine. The city is also known for its Marionette puppets and there is a museum as well as places to watch a production.
Lyon offers big city activities, museums, nightlife, delicious food, and beautiful locations. It's also a great place for families and backpackers due to all of the activities.
Travelers visit Lyon from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. You'll probably have trouble prioritizing what to see with so many options, so it's best to make a plan.
Eat your way through Lyon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from.
Lyon has one of the best historic old towns in the country, so you should absolutely spend some time exploring the streets and shops.
What to See in Lyon
How to Spend 2 Days in Lyon
Day 1:
Lyon is famous for it's world-class attractions, museums, and landmarks. You'll want to spend at least a day exploring one or more that you're interested in the most. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
The culinary scene in Lyon is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this city's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.
Lyon is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.
Day 2:
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.
Lyon is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city climbs beautifully into the hills and offers spectacular views and charming character.
The public transit in Lyon is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.
More Activities
You'll find a wide array of activities, attractions, tours, and things to do in Lyon. Here are a few of the best options for you to compare prices and book ahead.
For more activities and things to do, check out The Best Wine Tours and Tastings around Lyon, The Best Cheap Airport Transfers in Lyon, The Best Cheap Walking Tours Around Lyon, and The Best Bike Tours in Lyon.
Lyon Costs
Based on the spending patterns of past travelers, the average daily travel expenses in Lyon average around $136 per person. Sticking to this ballpark figure is achievable if you opt for a mid-range hotel and dine at regular restaurants. Delve into the breakdown below for a glimpse into what you might anticipate spending each day, per person, with options ranging from a budget-friendly approach to a mid-range or even luxury budget. For a more comprehensive overview, check out our detailed travel costs for Lyon here.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Transportation1 | $8 | $18 | $42 |
| Food2 | $18 | $45 | $101 |
| Entertainment1 | $10 | $22 | $42 |
| Alcohol2 | $11 | $26 | $53 |
Accommodation
Hotels
When it comes to accommodations in Lyon, you're looking at an average hotel room price of $92, calculated from the data of 203 hotels curated by Kayak. Get an in-depth look at the specifics with our analysis of hotel costs in Lyon here.
Suggested Hotels
Hostels
Embarking on a budget-friendly journey? Hostels in Lyon offer not just savings but also a chance to connect with fellow travelers. The average cost for a dorm bed in the area comes in at $28. For a deeper dive into hostels, check out our comprehensive overview of hostel costs in Lyon.
Final Transportation
As this is the last destination in the itinerary, you can make your way back to Marseille.
If you have a car for this trip, here are driving directions from Lyon to Marseille.
Traveling by train is a great way to journey from Lyon to Marseille, as it's low-cost, quick, and enjoyable. Prices vary by date, so be sure to see train schedules and prices here.
Next Steps
So now that you have all of the information you need to plan your seven-day trip in the Rhone Valley, it's time to get started. Make your bookings ahead of time not just to find the cheapest prices, but also before the best hotels and tours fill up. We also have plenty of other resources to help you plan you trip, or another trip, too. Happy travels!
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